Colombo, Feb 11, 7PM – CR and FC rocked the rugby field, staying undefeated with a fantastic 32-12 victory against their hometown rivals, CH and FC. This happened in the penultimate week of the Nippon Paint League Rugby Tournament Super Round at Racecourse yesterday. At halftime, CR and FC were ahead with a score of 14-5.
The Red Shirts scored three goals, one try, and two penalties, totaling 32 points. This impressive win earned them a bonus point, bringing their total to 52 points in nine matches. They now lead by four points over the defending champions, Kandy Sports Club, who have 48 points in nine games.
Iranga Ariyapala made a dazzling move after a diving maul and a lovely pass from Shenal Adhikaran. In the 12th minute, he barged through the defenders and scored an easy try. Chathura Seneviratne converted in a tight angle, bringing the score to 7-0.
CR and FC continued their dominance with a second try from Lasindu Ishan Karunathilaka in the 23rd minute. Supported by Shenal Adhikaran in a five-meter lineout, Karunathilaka’s brilliant move led to another seven points after Manelka Ruberu converted. The Red Shirts were leading 14-0.
However, Senura Perera received a yellow card in the 35th minute and had to sit out for a bit. Dilshan Jaya came in as a replacement. Just before halftime CH and FC scored, burly hooker Prasath Madushanka secured a crucial try near the left corner flag, extending the lead to 14-5. Fly half Rohitha Rajapaksa missed the conversion, but the Red Shirts went into halftime with a solid 14-5 advantage.
In the second half of the rugby match, things heated up quickly. Chathura Seneviratne from the Red Jerseys made a good kick from 25 meters away, scoring a penalty and boosting their lead to 17-5 in the 42nd minute.
CH and FC tried to catch up in the 45th minute when Nirosh Perera dived over the defense and scored a try. Malisha Perera, subbing in for Hirusha Nethmina who was out with an ankle injury, added the extra points, bringing the score to 12-17 in favor of CR and FC.
Chathura Seneviratne extended the lead further with another penalty kick from 35 meters, making it 12-20 in the 49th minute. CR and FC’s Number Eight, Lasindu Karunathilka, bulldozed through for a try at the left corner in the 63rd minute, with Manilka Ruberu converting it to bring the score to 12-27.
Lasindu Ishan Karunathilaka secured a crucial bonus point for CR and FC with his hat-trick of tries, touching down at the left corner in the 70th minute. Although the conversion was missed, CR and FC now led 32-12.
CR and FC, maintaining their cool throughout the game, climbed from third place to the top of the point table with this victory. Lasindu Karunathilake from CH and FC was honored as the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring three tries. Ravin Alexander refereed.
